Career horoscopes: Feb. 3 - Feb. 9

Christopher Renstrom is the creator of Rulingplanets.com which is his idea of an on-line, subscription-based, interactive Astrology Magazine. It is based on his bestselling book Ruling Planets, which was published by HarperCollins in 200...

Where there's a wile, there's a way

Mercury retrograde is famous for introducing snafus and glitches, which is why astrologers caution against conducting important business while this planet is moving backward in the sky. Conventional wisdom says that nothing good will come of it, and for the most part, conventional wisdom is right — especially if you're one of those people who likes things upfront and formulaic. However, if your mind is of a more inventive bent, then you will discover that obstacles — rather than barring your way — actually contain clues that will give you the inside track to where you want to go. Just make sure to be savvy enough to not take anything at face value and to ask the right questions. Mercury will be retrograde from Feb. 6 to Feb. 28.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 21 - Jan. 18)

It's common knowledge that you should never sign a contract while Mercury is retrograde. If you are looking to finalize a sale, lease or written agreement, then have it signed, sealed and delivered before Feb. 6. If that's impossible, then wait until Feb. 28, when Mercury comes out of retrograde. Now the idea of stalling might make you nervous, but just tell the other party that you need to review the paperwork. Chances are, this person has also heard that Mercury will be retrograde, and she won't have any problem with the new deadline.